

INDIANA 

soldiers' (a 

SAILORS' 
MONUMENT 



18518 

I-ibri«ry •rc«n4|reie 

Iwo Copies Received 
JUL 12 1900 

Copyright «ntry 

SECOND COPY. 

OelivtrW to 

OKOLrt WVISION, 

-44)1 13 1900 



INDIANA SOLDIERS' AND SAILORS' MONUMENT 



A State's TnhntL' to Her Silent Victors 



(copyrighted) 




::ii3^ FRIEND who visited tlit- Indiana State Soldiers' and Sailms' Monument for the 

first time was greatly impressed by the grandeur and statclincss of the structure. 

She was profuse in her expressions of praise of the mimument as a work of art, 

and said: " I have visited the memorials in many cities, hut 1 never saw an\-- 

thing equal to that erected b_\- Indiana to her ' Silent N'ictors.' But why is it," 

she continued, "that there is nothing accessible to the visitor which describes 

this grand structure, and explains the statues and emblems exhibited and the 

epochs they represent? It is a need that should be supplied." 

It is to fill, in some measure, this need that I presume to publish this little description of the 

Monument of which ever)' Indianian ma\- be justl)- proud. It is but just to sa_\' that the t\-pographical 

excellence and artistic effect of the work are due to the Hollenbeck Pre^s and the Indiana Illustrating 

Company of 'Indianapolis. Jl'Li.\ S. Conklin. 



Westfield, Ind., April 27, 1900. 

E k'W 




Victory, 



Indiana Soldiers' and Sailors* jMonument 

In the center of lliccityof Inilianaiiolis, at the intersection of Meridian 
anil Market streets, Hes a circular park ccmlainin^' over two acres of ground 
and surrounded b)' a wide street. Radiating from this circle arc four ave- 
nues, extending to the northeast, southeast, northwest and southwest. 
These avenues, together with the streets which lead toward the cardinal 
points of the compass, form an immense wheel, with the circle as the hub 
or converging point. In the center of this circle, which bears the name 
of .MouLiment Place, stands the Indiana State .Soldiers' and Sailors' Monu- 
ment. This Monument is an e\olution. It grew out of the times and 
events in the hislor\- of the State. It is original in ever_\- particular, and 
purely .Vmerican, and is the largest iiioiiumcnt ever erected to tlic soldiers 
of aiiv country. It is built of light gray oolitic limestone jMocured from 
the quarries of Indiana. The stone is of tine qualit)- and great durabilit_\-. 
The main shaft is square, and except where narrow windows are cut, it 
presents a smooth and unbroken surface. 

6t2c of the Monument 

At the base, the monument is sixt\-two feet in diameter and decreases 
in size until beneath the capital it measures 12 feet. The diameter of the 
circle, including the approaches and foundation, is 192 feet; diameter of 




War Group Over Cascauk. 



foundation and terrace, iiofeet; heiuht of terrace, ii feet; pedestal, 59 feet; shaft, includint,'' i^cd- 
estal, 149 feet; laterne, Ji feet; \'ictor_\- statue, 28 feet ; total height of Mcmunient, 26S feet. The di- 
ameter of the base at terrace is 68 feet; petle^tal at base, 40 feet 6 inches; pedestal at base, including 
projections, 62 feet; pedestal at top, 35 feet; shaft at pedestal, 32feet; shaft at base, 22 feet 6 inches; 
shaft at second astragal, 18 feet 3 inches; shaft at capital, 12 feet G inches; laterne, 8 feet. The plat- 
form of the capital, which is 220 feet above the earth, is reached by an electric elevator and a spiral 
stairwa)- ; the laterne rising from this bears a bronze statue of \'ictor\-. 

On the north and south sides of the Monument are wide stone steps seventy feet long, which 
lead to the platform of the terrace. The interior of the Monument is reached through bronze doors 
above which are large tablets bearing the following inscriptions : 

Socth Tablet: 

WAR FOR THE UXION. 

1861-1865. 

Indiana \'olunteers. 

126 Regiments Infantry 175,772 

13 Regiments Cavalry 21,605 

I Regiment Artillery 3.830 

26 Batteries 7.i5> 

Navy 2,130 



Total 210,407 

Killed and died, land forces 24,416 







r^ 








North Tablet: 

WAR WITH MEXICO 

1846-1847-1848. 

Indiana Regiments, Nos. i, 2, 3, 4, 5. 

4,585 Men. 



INDIAN' AND BRITISH WAR. 

1811-1812. 

Battle of Tippecanoe. 

Indians Defeated Nov. 7, iSii. 



WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 

Capture of Vincennes from the British, 

February 25, i77g. 



War Group. 



Abo\c these tablets is the inscription of 
dedication : 

TO INDIANA'S SILENT \"!CTORS. 

Abo\-e the doorways tlie legend "U. S." 
is car\'ed in the form of the belt-plate worn by 
the Union soldiers. This inscription forms the 
connection between the several parts of the stone 



astragal on cither side of the door\va\'s, representing the 
corps-badge^ of liie army and the different branches of 
the service and is emblematic of the union of the State 
with the National authorit}'. 

On the ea^t and west sides of the terrace arc cas- 
cade fountains. These cascades are among the most 
conspicuous features of the Monument ; the}- ha\'e a 
minimum cajiacitx' of 7,000 gallons of water per minute 
for each cascade. The amount of water consumed dail}' 
by these cascade fountains is 12,600,000 gallons for 
both — for tiftcen hours per day for eight months in each 
year. The water used to supplx" the fountains is pro- 
cured from wells situated beneath the Monument. 

Above the cascades are to be placed statuar)' groups 
representing "Peace" and "War." while on a le\el 
with these groups, upon pedestals at the entrance to the 
terrace, are stone, statues representing the infantr)', ar- 
tiller}-, ca\alry and nav\'. On four stone pedestals at 
the north and south stair platforms arc to be erected 
four large bronze candelabra, each forty feet high, while 
four smaller ones are to be placed over the drinking 




Peace Group. 




Peace Gkoip Over Cascade. 



fountains on the cast an(] west sides of the fountain basins. The jiipcs for tlie fountains arc to he 
fitted into bronze buffalo iicads. 

Un the cast and west titles of the Monument, abox'c the foinitains, arc larije sculptured groups 
emblematic of "War" and "Peace." These are the largest groups of statuar_\- in the world. They 
are ^J feet high, and 22 feet wide. The work of cutting these groups began January 1 i, iSi)S, and 
was completed March 16, 1899. Six thousand ti\e hundred cubic feet of stone were used in the west 
group, and five thousand five hundred cubic feet in the east group. 

There is much of sentiment and much that is subtle in the designs of these great "War and Peace 
Grou[)s," which are one of the great features of the Monument. The_\- are not onl)- great works of 
art but the)' represent our coimtry's struggle for the Union — the perpetuation of the American spirit 
and the peace and prosperity whicli followed that struggle. The panel representing "War" is a bat- 
tle scene, representing cavalry, charging infantr)' and artillery. In the center the fierce goddess of 
war urges on the charge, while Columbia, in the background, upholds the stars and stripes. 

The "Peace" group represents the home coming of the \'ictorious troops — the happy reunion of 
families and the peaceful emblems of labor. In the center, Libert}' upholds the flag, while at her 
feet the freed slave lifts up his broken ch;iins. The angel of Peace, hovering over the scene, holds 
aloft the wreath of \'ictor\' and tlie olix-e branch of peace. 

One of the strongest, and one of the most impressive features of the structure is the army astra- 
gal. This bronze panel is twelve feet high and encircles the Monument 70 feet from its base. It rep- 
resents the implements and the carnage of war. "The shaft grows upward out of this astragal." Out 



of this exhibition of carnasje and of war, comes this beautiful emblem of triumph as typified b\' the 
crowning figure — "Victor}'." The author of this astragal is Nicoiaus Geigcr, of Berlin, German}-. 

Twelve feet above the arm\' astragal, is the smaller, but cquall)- impressi\e bronze naval astra- 
gal, designed b_\' George W. Brewster, of Cleveland, Ohio, at a cost of $13,000. The chief features 
of this astragal are the representations of \essels used in the war, including Admiral Farragut's flag- 
ship, "Hartford." The bowsprits of these vessels extend ten feet be\ond the stone work. 

Eighty feet further up the shaft, and just below the capital, is the third bronze astragal bearing 
on two sides the date " 1861," and on the other two sides the date "1865." The\' are in gold fig- 
ures two feet high, on a bronze panel, also designed b\- Brewster, at a cost of $6,000. 

The capital, which i^ supported b\' eight stone eagles, includes a balcon\- surrounding a turret 
nineteen feet high, which supports the crowning figure, "\'ictory." This statue, which is thirt}' feet 
high and rests upon a bronze globe eight feet in diameter, is emblematic of freedom and of triumph, 
and the light of civilization. It-; weight is twent\-two thousand pounds and it is the largest bronze 
statue in the world placed at such a loft\' altitude. It also was designed bj' Brewster and cost $16,- 
000. This crowning figure has been called the "poem" of the entire structure, and perhaps no feat- 
ure of the ]\Ionument appeals more strongl}' to the poetic fanc_\- than does the figure of "\'ictor_\-" 
standing upon this bronze globe, her right hand supporting a sword, the point of which rests upon 
the globe and t}-pifies the power of that arm\- to which victoi-\- was due, while in her left hand she 
holds aloft a torch, emblematic of the light of ci\^ilization. The young eagle perched lightly upon 
her brow is typical of the freedom resulting from triumph and light. The statue was un\-eiled during 
the National Grand Army Encampment in Indianapolis, September, 1S93. 



Size of Statue 

The height of pedestal is 85 feet; cf 
statue from feet to head, 22 feet; from 
head to top of torch, 8 feet; total height, 
38 feet. Weight of head, 6,000 pounds ; 
torso, 8,000 pounds; globe or ped- 
estal, 3,000; arms 2.000; sword, 3,000 
pounds. Total weight, 22,000 pounds. 

The models for the panthers' heads 
upon the corners of the pedestal were 
made by Paul \V. Bardett, of Paris, 

France. The models for the heads 
iCADE. , , , , ,. 

carved upon the kc)--stones of the pedi- 
ments above the tablets were made b_\- George W. Brewster, of Cleveland, Ohio. 

The four statues representing the infantry, the cavalry, the artiller\' and the navy, are the work 
of Rudolph Schwarz, of Germany. Thex- were designed by Mr. Schwarz, and executed by him in 
Indianapolis. These figures are full of life and action, and .so well do they represent the several 
branches of the army that they call forth the praise and admiration of all who behold them. 

The illuminations of the AIonunKiit, inchuling about one hundred incandescent lamps on the 
inside, and four twu-thousand candle-power arc lamps on the outside, as well as the power necessary 




to ()])LM'atc the elevator, l.irge \\ell-|iunip, centrifuf^al ]iiimps and sprinklers, and the water nece.ssar_\' 
lor ,ill tliese purposes, are supplieti by the niacliiner\' plant situated in th ■ cr_\-pt. 

The na\Ml cannon connecteLl with chain cables were donated b_\' the United States Navy De- 
partment, from the Government Xav_\' \'ards at Boston, Mass., and Brooklyn, X. Y. 

Construction of Monument 

The base of the foundation was placed upon a bed of concrete, of two distinct la\-ers, each nine 
inches thick; the concrete composed of Bortland cement and fine torpeelo gravel, and this mortar 
again mixed with broken stone of about two cubic inches. All the stone used in the Monument was 
taken from the quarries of Indiana; each piece was squared and rendered even enough to limit the 
width of all joints to one-half inch. The mortar used in every part was made of pure fresh Portland 
cement, mixed with torpedo gravel. 

The structure is so nearly tire proof as not to require insurance. The foundation is of stratified 
limestone. The floor, which is fire-proof, is constructed of iron beams and brick arches, plastered 
underneath on wire lathing and finished to secure marble tiling. The partitions, which are fire-proof , 
are made of hollow brick, plastered on both sides. The roof is constructed of iron rafters and terra 
cotta covered with copper. The turret which serves as a pedestal for the crowning figure is con- 
structed of iron covered with copper, and is secured to the iron frame-work below. The square base 
of the figure is secured to the turret b)- means of 96 bolts sufficientK' strong to hold the figure against 
the most terrific storm. 

The number of steps required to reach the balconx' of the capital from tlie street is ,isG; of these 




Infantryman. 



32 arc of stone, on the extension of tlie Monument, the remaining 324 
being of iron and hjcated in the shaft. The work done on the >triicture is 
strietl)' of nioiuiment.il character, intentiei! tn endure for many centuries, 
and to this end e\'er_\' possible care li.is been combined with the utmost 
si<ill and energw Nothing has been overlooked, nothing neglected, no 
precaution omitted. 

peculiar features of Monument 

"The Monument presents a number of unusual features. The stones 
of which it is composed are probabl\- unsurpassed in size and quality b\' 
those in an\- other structure. No other Monument has an electric ele\ator, 
or a power plant equal to this. No other numLiment is made so comfort- 
alile in winter. No titiier monument i-< located on an elevation in the center 
of a city with radiating streets, as is this, and that cit}- in the center of a 
State, with radiating railwa\'s." 

Indiana Stone 

The attempt to build a monument of this character and magnitude 
would have resulted in failure but for the superior quality of Indiana oolitic 
or "Bedford" stone. It is the best material to be found an\-where for such 
a structure, or for statuar\' The durability of the oolitic stone has been 
thoroughl)- tested in different countries of luirope, and it has been pro\-ed 



that it hardens b\' exposure and atmospheric influence. The stone obtained from the quarries of 
Indiana is of finer quality than tliat found in an\' otlier part nf the world. 

Contents of the Copper Box 

The copper box placed in the corner-stone of the Monimient is 2 feet long, I foot wide and I 
foot high, and contains Adjutant Terrell's Report of eight volumes, in which is enrolletl the name of 
every Indiana soldier in the War for the Union; rosters of the G. A. R., Woman's Relief Corps and 
Sons of Veterans, with rituals and full sets of badges of these orders ; report of the State Soldiers' 
and Sailors' Monument, for 1887 and 1888, with photographs of the Monument and documents re- 
lating to it; Indiana in the War, two \olumes, by Miss Catharine Merrill; report of the Lo\-al 
Legion; history of Morton Post, No. i, Terre Haute; histor_\' of the first memorial service of the 
G. A. R, ; Indianapolis daily and weekly papers; Acts of the General Assembly containing the laws 
providing for the Monument, with the names of the members of the Legislatiue who voted for and 
against it; flag of the 20th Indiana Volunteers; a miniature national flag; Bmdle's book containing 
the first Constitution of the State of Indiana adopted in 18 1 6, and the second Constitution adopted 
in 185 I ; the amended Constitution; impress of the Seal of the State; list of the members of the 
Constitutional Conventions of 1816 and 185 I, and of the General Assembly of 1S87; autographs of 
the Board of Commissioners of the State Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument; program of the corner- 
stone exercises and camp-fire at night; roster and report of the Indiana Soldiers' and Sailors' Or- 
phans' Home at Knightstown ; rules of the Supreme Coiu't of Indiana; constitution and b\-laws of 
Maj. Robt. Anderson, W. R. C. ; report of Board of Managers of Indianapolis Orphans' Home; 




C.W \I.l;\ MAN. 



roster of German -American Veterans' Association, of Indianapolis; 
Mexican War badge, 1S46; constitution and pledge of Woman's Chris- 
tian Temperance Union ; case with autograph of deaf and dumb soldiers 
and sailors; photograph of Bruno Schmitz, architect of the Monument. 



Four epochs in the history of Indiana are commemorated by bronze 
statues of representative men of the times, occupying positions around 
the Monument between the converging points of the intersecting streets; 
these arc, the period of the Revolution represented by the statue of Gen. 
George Rogers Clark; the War of 18 12 and the Battle of Tippecanoe, 
by the statue of William Henry Harrison; the Mexican War, by the 
statue of Governor James Whitcomb ; and the War for the Union, by 
that of Indiana's great War Governor, Oliver P. Morton. 

George Rogers Clark 

The statue of George Rogers Clark stands to the northwest of the 
Monument and represents that dauntless commander leading his little 
b.uid of men to the capture of Fort Sackville from the hands of the 
British. To George Rogers Clark more than to any other man is the 
United States indebted for the acquisition of the territory northwest of 



tlic Ohio River. .\lthougli tlic power vi the British had been broken aiKJ the eastern States were in 
the liands of the Americans, the British still possessed the territory nortluvest of the Oiiio River, 
They held the forts and strong points which were guarded h_\' British soldiers. - It was to the 
quest of this vast territur}- that the _\oung Virginian led his little compan)- into the wilderness, captured 
Kaskaskia, then enduretl the hartlships of that terrible march across the water-covered prairies of 
Illinois to the capture of \'incenn(.'s from the hands of the British, Februar\' 25, 1779. B\' this con- 
quest the entire territory from the Ohio River to the l\Iississi]:>pi and the Northern Lakes was added 
to the State of Virginia and afterward ceded to the United States and subsequently divided to form 
the States of Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin and Illinois. 

The statue represents General Clark w ith one foot resting upon a rock upon which the word 
"Vincennes" is engraved, his sword in his right hand, while his left points forward and upward. The 
figure is full of spirit and action, and e.\|>resses the courage and daring which characterized General 
Clark and inspired his men and encouraged them to greater effort, which led to one of the most re- 
markable achievements known to the history of our country. The statue was designed by the sculp- 
tor, John H. Mahoncy, of Indianapolis. 

SliUiam Rcnry Ravrison 

The statue of William Henry Harrison occupies a |3ositiun northeast of the Monument, to com- 
memorate the jieriod uf ilie Rexolution.iry War .md the Battle of Tippecanoe. General Harrison was 
ap|)iiintei.l the fn^st Governoi' nf Indi.ina Territm'y in iSoo, and during the twelve wars he served as 
chief executive of the embryo Sl.ite he e.xtiiiguishetl the bulian titles to nic.ire than twenty-nine million 




acres of land now included in the State of 
Indiana. His campaigns against the Indians 
which culminated in the Battle of Tippecanoe, 
November 7, iSii, completely overthrew 
the power of the hostile bands in Indiana and 
secured the peace and safety- of the settlers. 
Governor Harrison was one of the most influ- 
ential men in earl_\- Indiana and was greatly 
loved and honored by her people. 

■jfamcs Cnhitcomb 

The third period in the militar)- histor}- 
of Indiana is commemorated b}- a statue of 
Governor James Whitcomb, which stands to 
the southwest of the ^Monument. During hi'- 
administration the war with Mexico occurred, 
lasting through the _\'ears 1S46, 1847 and 184S. 
Indiana enlisted for this war, five regimen; 
numbering 4,585 men; of these about 50 
were killed in battle and 218 died of disease. 



AKTILLERV M.A.N. 



liie war was a scries of victories for the United States, and resulted in tlie acquisition of Texas, 
New Mexico and California. 

During the six j-ears he served as governor of Indiana, Governor W'hitconih did much to restore 
the State's credit which had been impaired by the failure of the internal improvement system, and it 
was largely through his efforts that a sentiment was created among the people in favor of a public 
school system and the establishment of bene\olent and reformatory institutions. 

Oliver P, Morton 

y\fter the death of Governor Morton in 1877, his friends concei\-ed the plan of erecting a statue 
in Indianapolis, in commemoration of his inestimable service during the War for the Union ; and to 
carr\- this plan into effect the "Morton Memorial Association" was organized, with General Lew 
Wallace as President. A bronze statue of Governor Morton was cast, for which the association paid 
$14,000. B\- autliorit}- of the General Assembly of the State the statue was placed in the center of 
Circle Park, where it stood until llie erection of the Indiana State Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument, 
when it was removed to the southeast to represent the fourth period in the military history of Indiana. 

Governor Morton's service to the State and to the National government is too well known to 
need repeating, and so deeply is his memory imbedded in the hearts of the people that v;ords of 
further commendation would be superfluous. He will be known to future generations as he is to the 
present, as Indiana's great War Governor. 

As the effect of an)' public memorial consists in the attention wliich the work itself attracts, it 
is gratifying to the peojile of Iiuliana that the State Soldiers' and Sailors' .MunumeiU is the object 



fur whicli tlioiisaiuls of people \ i-^it tlic cit_\-. TIutc is -(.Idom an 
Imui' in the d.iy in wliieh slrantjers nia}- not be seen stanilinij about 
tile :\[(_innnient \ iewint^ it from different stand-pc lints. I he mere 
size oi the work conld not hold llieir attention ; so the s_\-mmetr)-, 
the artistic \-alLie and completeness must be conceded. 

Each added feature gives new beaut\- to this magnificent memo- 
rial ; and especial 1\- is it a source of gratification and pleasure to the 
veterans who delight to discuss its man\' interesting features; 
especiall)- do the figures representing the different Iiranches of the 
service appeal to their fanc\' ; the mai'ching infantr^nian, the scout, 
the artilleryman and the sailor all lia\e their peculiar fascination for 
the old soldiers, while the great "Peace and War Groups," army 
and na\\' astragals compel their admiration and studw 

The cascade fountains are a source of delight to the visitors 
and to those located in the hotel-, and nthcr buildings which sur- 
round ?iIonument Place. No place in Indiana represents so much 
money in so limited a space. It is the most valuable spot of ground 
in the State. 

The value of the State Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument as an 
educator of the people can not be overestimated. It is like a beau- 
^'^'^°'^' tiful picture which grows in beauty and effect with stud_\-, and, like 

a grand bit of nature, becomes more beautiful with faniiliarit)-. It will never become "common." 




Rtstory of the Moiumcnt 

In i1k- _\Lar 1875, at tlic great Soldiers' Reunion in Im.Ii.in.ipolis, a movement was Ijcgun to 
build a State Soldiers' Monument, and a Monument Association was organized with an accumulated 
fund of $1,000. Subscquentl)- the Department of Indiana, Grand Army of the Republic, assumed 
charge of the enterprise. A Soldiers' Monument Committee was appointed and the funds in the 
hands of the original association were transferred to it. 

The first official action taken b\' the Grand Army regarding the erection of a Monument to the 
Indiana soldiers and sailors in the war for the Union was at the Department Encampment at Indian- 
apolis, February 22, 1882, when General John Coburn, representing George H. Thomas Post, read 
a communication and offered resolutions to tlie effect that the Department of Indiana Grant! Arm_\- 
of the Republic should inaugurate a movement to erect a fitting Monument to commemorate the 
deeds of soldiers and .sailors of the Union army, "who went from Indiana, and soldiers and sailors 
of other States who reside within the State." 

The resolution provided that voluntar}' subscriptions should be made quarterl)- by members, not 
to exceed ten cents per member for each quarter, and tliat the De[iartment officers be assigned the 
dut_\' of receiving such letters, reports, sketches and photograjihs as relate to the war and the soldiers, 
as should be furnished tiiem for preservation, as memorials of those who served in the Union army. 
The resolution was adopted and became a part of the Grand Army record. 

At this encampment Gen. James R. Carnahan was elected Department Commander, and he lost 
no time in devising plans for carrying out the wishes of the Encampment. Certificates of member- 



ship were issued, and the council of administration adopted a resolution 
to the effect that, when the sum vi $i 5,000.00 should be raised, the State 
was to be asked to appropriate a like amount for the erection of the Monu- 
ment. At the annual State Kncampment at Indianapolis, I''el3ruar\-, 1884, 
the State Soldiers' Monument Association tendered the Department the sum 
of mone_\- accumulated b)' that association. At this time the Department 
was not an incorporated bod_\' and inukr the laws of the State could not 
legally receive the mone_\- tendered b)' the Monument Association, and 
steps were taken to l.iwfull)' incorporate the organization. 

The articles of incorporation provided for tlie appointment of a 
ci.immittee in whose hands all matters pertaining to the erection of the 
Monument should be placed. This committee consisted of George J. 
I.angsdale, James R. Carnahan, 1). C. McCoUum, George W. Johnston 
and Thomas W. Bennett. X'arious plans were devised for the aecimiula- 
tion of funds for carrj-ing out the enterprise. An appeal was made to 
C.\NDEL.'\BRA. the Grand Arm}- Posts and details were arranged for a tliorough canvass of 

the State b}' townships. Communications were sent to a numhier of Intliana poets, asking for poems 

as a means of awakening ]K)[iu1,u- interest, and the newspapers of the State were requested to assist in 

furthering the mo\ement. 

I'^nmi the beginning it was the intention of the Grand Army to raise as much mone)- as possible 

and then to appeal to the General Assembly for a sufficient appropriation to complete the Monument. 




To j^rcpare the way for this an attempt was made to secure the adoption of a plank in the platform 
of eacii of the leading political parties in fa\or of the movement. In furtherance of the plans out- 
lined by the Monument Committee, the members of the Legislature were interviewed for the purpose 
of ascertaining the probabilitj- of securing the passage of such a measure as was desired, and a brief 
address read in each House, a copy of which was placed in the hands of ever}- member, explaining 
the origin of the Monument Committee, its object, what it had alread)' accomplished and the condi- 
tion of the Monument fund. The address closed as follows: " We make no humble appeal to \-ou 
to furnish the means and build a Monument; but we do point to the gra\TS of the unknown Indiana 
soldiers on every battle-field of the late war; to a countr\- saved from disruption, and made unprece- 
dentedly prosperous and the marvel of the world by the valor of the Union soldiers ; to the old flag, 
with not one star missing, and then to the capital of Indiana, where stands not one stone to mark the 
heroic age of the State, or to commemorate the deeds that ha\'e made her famous, and brought 
such blessings to the people, Iea\ing you to take such action regarding the erection of a monument 
as \our patriotism and public spirit ma_\- inspire." 

As a result of the efforts of the committee, various donations were made b}- posts, churches, 
organizations and individuals. For the purpose of securing the passage of a bill appropriating funds 
to assist in the erection of the Monument, a movement was inaugurated by which the members of 
the G. A. R. used their influence to elect such men to the Legislature as would pledge themselves 
to vote for such a measure. So well did the plan work, and so strong was the sentiment created in 
its fa\'ur throughout the .State, that in many count\- .ind di-tricl con\e]itions resolutions favoring the 
enterprise were unanimously adopted, and as a result both ihe Republican aiul Democratic State 




Conxcntions a(.l(i|itcil resolutions ilcclaring that 
a State Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument should 
be built: and when the lAj^dslalure assi'nililed 
in 18S7, the bill prepared b_\- the Monument 
Committee was presented.' The bill [iroxided 
for an aiiproiiriation of $200,000 to eotnplete 
the Monument, and untk'r its prox'isions a 
Board of Commissioners was to be appointed 
b_\- the Governor, Secretar)-, Auditor and Treas- 
urer of State. 

There was but one sentiment amonfj the 
people regarding the passage of the bill. Every- 
body fa\'orec! it. The Annual Encampment 
con\-ened Februar_\- 16—17. During the morn- 
ing of the first da)- an invitation was received 
from the House of Representatives for the 
inembers of the Encampment to visit its hall. 
The invitation was formally accepted, and the 
Encampment adjourned and marched in a 

body to the legislative hall, led 1)_\- the Department Commander, General Thomas W. Bennett. 

Filing through the several isles of the House, the \-eterans formed in front of the Speaker's desk 



Bruno Sch.mitz. 



and were introduced to the Speaker and the House. Commander Bennett grarefully tliankcd the 
Representatives for wh.it the\- had ah'ead)' done for the soldiers in providing for the Indiana Soldiers' 
and Sailors' Orphans' llonie, and for their nian\' expressions of interest in tlie \eterans, and read a 
memorial asking for the passage of the Monument bill then pending. The scene throughout was full 
of stirring sentiment and high regard for the veterans, and the_\- were assured that the_\- should recei\'e 
at the hands of their Representatives that which, b_\- right belonged to them. The business of the 
House was suspended to allow an interchange of good-will between the legislators and their visitors. 
The veterans then proceeded to the Senate Chamber, where the same scene was enacted. Following 
the formal proceedings the Senate adjourned to give opportunity for an interchange of greeting be- 
tween the soldiers and senators. 

On Februar)' i8th the bill passed the Senate without opposition and reached its final passage 
in the House on the 23tl, with on!)- sixteen opposing votes. On March 3, 1S87, Governor (}ra}- 
signed the bill making it a law. The cash and valid subscriptions received b)- the Grand Armj- Mon- 
ument Committee amounted to $21,000. 

The first commissioners appointed under the new law were: S. R. \'o_\les of Salem; D. C. Mc- 
Colluni, La Porte; George W. Johnston and Daniel M. Ransdell, of Indianapolis, and George J. 
Langsdale, of Greencastle. The Board organized June 28, 1887, by electing George J. Langsdale 
president. 

Having no definite conception of the character of the memorial to be erected, the Board ad\er- 
tised in the leading cities of Europe and America for designs from which to make a selection. In 
response to this advertisement seventy designs were received, representing every style of monimicnt 




and memorial hall. Several hundred photographs of 
the most celebrated monuments in the world were 
collected and many war scenes, bass-reliefs, etc., were 
also procured to assist the Board in forming, b\- com- 
parison, a proper judgment of the designs offered. 
To further assist the Board, the services of three 
experts were secured,- namely : Prof. W. R. Ware, of 
New York, Pnif, J. M, Campbell, of Crawfordsville, 
and Gen, T. .\. Morris, of Indianapolis. 

The examination, which began Januar)- 12, 1 888, 
and ended the twenty-seventh da\- of the same month, 
resulted in the unanimous choice, b\- both commis- 
sioners and experts, of the design presented b}- Bruno 
Schmitz, of Berlin, Germany. Mr. Schmitz was at 
once notified, and on February 28 he arrived in Indi- 
anapolis and took charge of the work of construction. 
He was appointed supervising architect, and a con- 
tract was formed between him and the Board of 
Commissioners ; a new design was made containing 
certain improvements, and some origmal features 



Rudolph Schwarz. 



were introduced under instructions of the Board, which determined certain cliaracteristirs of the 
work, and the whole was copyrighted. 

Under the terms of the contract, Mr. Schmitz appointed I'Vederick Baumann, of Chicago, his 
deputy architect and representative. The contract for tlie central foundation v\as let Ma)- 3 , 1S8S, 
to Enos Kege, of Indianapolis, for the sum of $31,683. i i , and the work completed before the fol- 
lowing winter. On Jan;:ary I, 18S9, the Board of Commissioners made its first report to the Gov- 
ernor, which covered the years iSSj-'SS, and showed the ])rogress of the work step by step, from 
the organization of the Board to the completion of the foundation, including the contract with Bruno 
Schmitz for the erection of the shaft and crowning figure. 

In Januar)-, 1889, Mr. Schmitz arrived from Germany, bringing with him a plaster model of the 
Monument, and proposals were received for the erection of the ap[>ro,iches, terraces and .^i^pcrstrii'-iurc. 
The contract was -awarded to the Terre Haute Stone Works Compan)-, and Thomas Mcintosh, ol 
Greenca.stle, was appointed superintendent to represent the Board, as an expert in stone work. In 
Jul}', Commissioner I). 'SI. Ransdall resigned and Gen. Thomas W. Bennett, of Richmond, was ap- 
pointed his successor. 

On August 22, 1889, the corner-stone of the Monument was laid with imposing ceremonies. 
The Department Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic was master of ceremonies, assisted 
by his staff officers antl the department officers of the Woman's Relief Corps and Sons of Veterans. 
After a grand parade through the streets of the city, the stone was laid in the presence of President 
Harrison, Governor Hovey and other State officials, and a vast assembly massed about the Monu- 
ment, amid the strains of martial music, the singing of National songs, the waving of flags, tiring of 




IWVX^ 




GOVEKNOK MUKIUN. 



artillery, and the applause of the enthusiastic multi- 
tude. A copper box containing important records 
and documents was placed in the receptacle pre- 
pared for it in the base of the corner-stone, and the 
great stone put in position. 

The stone, which is situated at tlie northeast 
corner of the Monument is oblong, with the greatest 
length — nine feet, in perpendicular direction. It 
is the eleventh stone in the course, and from the 
base line of the Monument to the bottom of this 
beautiful oolitic lime-stone is sixteen feet. The east 
side of the stone bears the inscription : 

August 22, 1889. 

Erected bv the People of Indi.^na; 

Act of General Assembly, 

March 3, 18S7. 

From this time the work on the Monument 
went forward as rapidl)' as the conditions would al- 
low. On ^Ia_\- 20, 1S90, the contract for making 
and placing the crowning figure was awarded to 



George VV. Brewster, of Cleveland, Ohio, for the sum of $12,500. This statue of "Victory," some- 
times erroneously called "Indiana," is regarded as a "triumph of art." With its pedestal it is 
among the largest bronze compositions in the world, and is the largest bronze figure ever put at that 
height in an)- countr)-. The contract for building the iron stairwa)- within the shaft, and for the cop- 
per-covered iron turret above the capital, was awartled H. A. Streeter, of Chicago, for $5,637.50. 

Under the sculptural competition for the side groups of "War" and "Peace," fourteen models 
were received, but they were unsatisfactor\' and a contract was not awarded. It was the intention, at 
one time, to place memorial tablets on the Monument in honor of the G. A. R. and other patriotic 
organizations, Init the plan was abandoned as not in keeping with the character and design of the 
Monument, c Diu-ing the spring of 1.891 the conclusion was reached b>' the Board of Commissioners 
to ijlace the dates 1846-1S48 u])on the upper astragal of the shaft in commemoration of Indiana's 
part in the war with Mexico, which was done the following year. This occasioned some criticism by 
the leading newspapers of the State, and caused a general outburst of opposition from the people, in 
which the Department of Indiana G. A. R. took the lead. Resolutions were adopted condemning 
the Board for recognizing an>' other period than that of the civil war in the inscriptions on the Monu- 
ment — declaring that the original design had been departed from, and demanding that the figures 
1846-1848 be removed. This controversy was continued until, in September, 1893, b)' vote of the 
Board, a resolution was adopted to remove the figures, and to commemorate certain militar)' epochs 
pertaining to Indiana history by erecting in Monument Place appropriate statues of representative 
men of such periods, and by suitable mention of such epochs on the historical tablets of the Monu 
men*-. 




Gen. Wm. H. Harrison. 



On Februniy 2, 1803, Gen. Thos. W. 
Bennett died and Ihrn. W'ni. H. English was 
appointed to fill the vacanc)-. In April, 1892, 
a contract for the army a.stragal was made with 
Nicolaus Geiger, of Germany; the drawings 
for the cascades, presented by Louis H. Gibson, 
were accepted, and the contract for tlie general 
construction awarded Conrad Bender, of Indi- 
anapolis. 

In March, 1894, ^ contract was made with 
J. 11. !\Iahone}', of Indianapolis, for a statue of 
Gen. George Rogers Clark, to be placed in 
Monument Place in commemoration of the con- 
quest of the Northwest Territory, and the Rev- 
olutionary War. 

IMonumcnt Regents 

On March 6, 1895, the Legislature enacted 
a law abolishing the Board of Commissioners for 
the In(.liaiia State Soldiers' and Sailors' Mon- 
ument and providing for a Board of Regents. 





tm' 




Governor Whitcomb. 



The new Board appointed consisted of Gen. Lew 
Wallace, Commander G. V. Menzies and Gen. 
Fred Knefler. Tlie Board organized with Gen. 
Knefler as president and superintendent Gen. 
Wallace resigned after the first meeting and Gen. 
Jasper Packard was appointed to fill the vacanc)'. 
At this time the main structure of the Monu- 
ment, the approaches and surrounding features of 
Monument Place were to an extent completed. 
The features not completed were the large side 
groups, "War" and "Peace," and reliefs to be 
placed in position on the cast and west sides ; the 
statuar}' groups on the terraces and balustrades; 
the statue of William Ilenr}- Harrison ; the statue 
of Governor Whitcomb; the army astragal; the 
candelabra and other minor artistic features. The 
electric elevator within the shaft was in operation, 
and the structural part of the cascades to an ex- 
tent completed. The machinjr_\- plant, which was 
completed, was found to be inadequate to suppl_\- 
the necessary power and the Board of Regents 




Geokue Kogeks Clakk. 



exchanged the motors for those of sufificient power to 
meet the demands. The army astragal, designed by 
Nicolaus Geiger and contracted for by the Board of 
Commissioners, was placed in position in the late months 
of 1S95, and the cement pavements around the cascades 
completed. 

It was the original intention that the "War" and 
"Peace" groups and reliefs should be in bronze, but no 
design having been adopted b)- the Board of Commission- 
ers, the Board of Regents arrived at the decision that 
these side groups should be constructed of Indiana stone, 
and that the original design of the Monimient should, so 
far as possible, be carried out in accordance with the well- 
matured plans of the artist, Bruno Schmitz. Mr. Schmitz 
arri\-ed in Indianapolis in Ma\-, 1896, bringing sketch 
models of the groups, and after making such changes as 
were considered desirable, a contract was made for the 
execution of these groups and reliefs, to be constructed of 
Indiana oolitic lime-stone selected for that purpose, and 
that the whole should be finished and put in position on 



JUL 12 1900 



or before August I, 1898, for the sum of $60,000. The small cascades erected were torn away and 
the present large cascade fountains erected. 

During the )-ear 1S97 t'l^ 'o^r drinking fountains on the east and west sides of the Monument 
were erected, and the contract for tlic impro\ement of Monument Place was let to Messrs. F. M. Sny- 
der & Co. for the sum of $38,500. 

In Ma\-, 1899, a contract was made with Bruno Schmitz for the erection of eight bronze candela- 
bra ; four large ones to be placed on the stone pedestals at the north and south stair platforms, and 
four smaller ones to be placed on the drinking fountains east and west of the cascade basins; and for 
buffalo heads to be placed on the fountains. A contract was made with J. H. Mahuney for bronze 
statues of Governor Whitcomb and Gen. William Henr\' Harrison to be erected in Monument Place. 
A contract was also made with Rudolph Schwarz for four stone statues, representing different 
branches of the arm_\' and na\\-, to be placed on the north and south sides of the Monument at the 
entrance to the terrace. 

The cost of the Monument is about one-half million dollars. The first money received for its 
erection was $J i ,000 from the Grand Army of the Republic. In 1S87 the Legislature appropriated 
$200,000. In 1891 the second appropriation of $30,000 was made b}- the State. In 1893 -^ '^^T 
of five mills was made on every $100 of ta.xable property, which amounted to $223,500.28. In 
1899 the final appropriation of $100,000 was made by the General Assembly. 

The Legislature of 1897 niade an appropriation of $10,000 per year for the expenses of the 
Monument. 

This amount is still paid out of the General Fund, and all receipts are required to be paid into 
the State Treasur}-. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



002 113 026 6 



